AHMEDABAD: The move for demonetisation has affected pilgrim footfall at the much sought-after
Girnar Parikrama
in Junagadh. The number of tourists recorded by the forest department this year was only six lakh against the footfall of nine lakh in 2015, registering a 33% drop in footfall. The Junagadh district administration and forest department had expected a greater rush at the five-day annual 'Lili Parikrama' around
Mount Girnar
, which began from November 11.
“We were prepared for a footfall of around 10 lakh, but when the parikrama ended we recorded only six lakh. This was a considerable drop compared to last year’s nine lakh,” said Senthil Kumaran, deputy conservator of forest, Junagadh.
“We have been told that there are two main reasons for the drop in footfall. One is that sowing is going on in the fields, and the second is the probable effect of demonetisation,” said Kumaran. “The non-availability of notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 kept away tourists from other parts of the state,” he added.
“Because of demonetization, half of the devotees had not come for Parikrama and over 30% provisions made for the Parikrama remained surplus,” said
Mansukh Bhanala
of Princess Group, Surat. “We came with full preparations and rations expecting a rush like last year, but there were fewer tourists than expected,’’ he added. Bhanala, along with 500 volunteers, runs a free kitchen at Bordevi on the route of Girnar Parikrama, Junagadh.
The Parikrama, which passes through the Girnar Sanctuary was held between November 11 and November 14. The route begins from
Bhavnath Taleti
in Junagadh and devotees pass through Jinabava Madhi, Sarkadiya, Malvav and Bordevi before returning to the starting point on the fifth day. Voluntary organizations run over 90 free kitchens for devotees along the route.